Mr. Fitch obtained a verdict of $134 Million Dollars* on behalf of Amanda Brandt, who at age 11 and 12, was abused by Roy Pompa, one of Ohio’s most notorious predators. The verdict, rendered by a Cuyahoga County jury, is believed to be one of the largest personal injury verdicts in Ohio’s history. Read full story (PDF).
Sexual abuse, especially when the victim is a child, can leave victims with a lifetime of emotional trauma.
We understand that these instances of abuse cause emotional damage, as well as the obvious physical harm. Many abuse victims are left dealing with complicated, difficult feelings of confusion, depression, anger and shame as they attempt to rebuild their lives. Many are embarrassed or ashamed to admit that they have been the victims of abuse.
At the Fitch Law Firm, we know that no amount of money can ever make up for the trauma sexual abuse victims have experienced. However, we also know that the offenders must be held accountable, and the victims must receive some measure of justice. Making sure that the abusers are held legally responsible can help victims move toward a place of healing.
Call 855-LAW-OHIO today to consult with our compassionate, experienced professionals who know how to deal with sexual abuse lawsuits and can help you.
Sexual abuse victims have rights
Sexual abuse can be defined as any unwanted or nonconsensual sexual activity and can range from inappropriate touching all the way to rape. As children are unable to legally consent to sex, any sexual conduct with a child is a violation of law.
Children are impressionable and can be more easily coerced into becoming victims of sexual abuse. They are often too frightened to say anything. They are especially vulnerable to anyone in positions of authority, including teachers, coaches, older family members or members of the clergy. Statistics show that more than 90% of sexual assaults involving children aged 17 or younger were committed by someone who knew the victim.
Some victims of sexual crimes are not able to confront or admit the abuse until they reach adulthood. It is important for all sexual abuse victims to understand that the abuse was not their fault. Each sexual abuse survivor will handle their recovery process in his or her own unique way.
For a free legal consultation with a sexual abuse victims lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-963-2808
Let the Fitch Law Firm help you get the justice you deserve
If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual abuse, you may be entitled to compensation from the perpetrator or the entity for whom they were employed, such as a school, religious organization or private company. Even though the offenders may be brought to justice in criminal court, sexual abuse victims can take legal action by filing a civil lawsuit as well.
A civil lawsuit can give a sexual abuse victim the chance to gain some measure of accountability and justice against the offender if criminal proceedings have failed. It also gives them the opportunity to secure financial compensation for the injuries and losses they have experienced.
Recovering from sexual abuse can be a stressful, painful and overwhelming experience. The Fitch Law Firm will help guide you through this difficult time, giving you peace of mind knowing that your legal rights are being protected while you recover. We are passionate about fighting for the justice you deserve.
Call 855-LAW-OHIO today for a free consultation with a Columbus, Ohio-based, experienced sexual abuse attorney. We’ll help you get through this difficult process.
Columbus Sexual Abuse Victims Lawyer Near Me 614-963-2808
The Impact of Sexual Abuse
According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, an average of 293,066 Americans (12 years or older) are victims of rape and sexual abuse each year, while 15% of victims are under age 12. Although there is a significant increase in the awareness of sexual abuse and its effects, the negative psychological impacts are often overlooked, while victims struggle to live a normal life after the abuse.
The experienced professionals at The Fitch Law Firm have successfully handled many sexual abuse cases and they understand how the life of survivors can be significantly impacted by such a traumatic experience. If you or a loved one have experienced psychological difficulties that may be linked to being a victim of sexual abuse, there is help for you. The dedicated and compassionate professionals at The Fitch Law Firm based in Columbus, Ohio, will be more than happy to review the facts of your case to get you the help you need.
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Call 855-LAW-OHIO today for a free consultation to find out if we can help you.
The impact of sexual abuse may vary depending on each individual case, as well as the victim involved. However, due to the high level of stress associated with sexual abuse, victims can experience numerous emotional and psychological consequences including:
- Shame
- Negative self-concepts
- Sleep disturbances
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Hostility
- Anger
- Self-blame
- Guilt
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexually inappropriate behaviors
- Difficulties functioning in social situations
According to a 2002 report from the World Health Organization, victims of sexual assault are three times more likely to battle with depression, six times more likely to exhibit symptoms of PTSD, 13 times more prone to alcohol abuse, 26 times more likely to abuse drugs, and four times more likely to experience feelings of wanting to commit suicide. Victims of sexual abuse are also more likely to present with other long-term psychiatric symptoms consistent with sexual dysfunction, relationship difficulties and self-destructive behaviors, which may cause significant difficulties to living a normal life. Needless to say, the lasting effects of sexual abuse can disrupt the day-to-day life of victims, including problems maintaining employment, difficulties maintaining a healthy relationship with others, and resulting in an overall poor quality of life.
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We Can Help
At the Fitch Law Firm, our dedicated professionals work diligently to understand your case and are committed to protecting your rights and using the legal system to fight for justice on your behalf.
If you would like to talk to us about a potential case call us at 855-LAW-OHIO today for a free consultation.
Sexual Abuse Common Symptoms
The experienced professionals here at The Fitch Law Firm understand the significant trauma associated with sexual abuse, and how it can negatively affect and change the course of a victim’s life. This is why we are so passionate about our commitment to aggressively seek justice for sexual abuse victims in the state of Ohio, and will continue to dedicate our time and effort to use the legal system to hold perpetrators accountable.
We realize that a survivor of sexual abuse is often left to live with the long-term, or even permanent consequences of being victimized, which in some cases impact most if not all areas of their life, including the ability to maintain employment and successful relationships. If you or a loved one has been sexually abused, call us at 855-LAW-OHIO today to find out how we can help.
Due to the severity of the trauma associated with sexual abuse, victims often experience long-term psychological effects. Some of these are as follows:
- Depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Substance abuse
- Eating disorders
- Difficulties establishing interpersonal relationships.
- Sexual difficulties
However, the most common mental health difficulties among sexual abuse victims include depression and PTSD.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common effects of sexual abuse, and is often confused with being sad or blue. However, depression associated with such a traumatic life event such as sexual abuse may result in persistent depressed mood or irritability, consistent feelings of sadness, loss of hope, fatigue, loss of energy or interest in previously enjoyed activities.Such changes often result in impaired functioning or difficulties in most if not all areas of the victim’s life, including social, occupational and educational. Childhood sexual abuse is also associated with the onset of depression in adulthood, as such a stressful life event predisposes individuals to depression.
Survivors of sexual abuse often experience shame, guilt, and even self-blame as they may often take responsibility for the abuse. Often when the abuse is done by a trusted or respected individual, it may be difficult for victims, particularly for children, to see the perpetrator in a negative light, leading then to believe it had to be their fault. Therefore, in the process of blaming themselves, victims may begin to think negatively about themselves which may later be linked to self-destructive behaviors including cutting and thoughts of committing suicide.
PTSD
It is also very common for victims of sexual abuse to experience symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder. These symptoms include severe anxiety, flashbacks (acting or feeling as if the traumatic event were recurring), nightmares, and persistent thoughts of the event. Victims may also experience acute or severe psychological distress when exposed to things or particular situations that reminds them of the traumatic incident.
You are not alone
When a victim experiences these mental health difficulties, it is very important that they get access to the necessary help and support that will help in their stability and recovery. The professionals at the Fitch Law Firm understand the importance of getting victims the help they need, and are dedicated to getting them justice.
If you have been sexually abused, and are experiencing mental health difficulties, call us today at 855-LAW-OHIO to see how we can help.
Note: We recommend that you consult with a domestic relations attorney for advice concerning spouse on spouse abuse.
Columbus Sexual Abuse News:
Foster dad has sex with teen, sentenced to 2 years in prison
On Monday, July 6, 2015, a Columbus man was sentenced to 2 years in prison for having sex with a foster child placed in his care. Per media accounts, Herbert C. King, Jr. pled guilty to four counts of sexual battery for having sexual relations with a 17 year old boy. A hospital examination reportedly found King’s DNA on the boy. Ohio law prohibits sex between a guardian and foster child, notwithstanding the fact that 16 is the age of consent in Ohio.
Grant to assist colleges in sexual assaults
Ohio has received a 3 million dollar grant from the federal government to assist universities and private colleges in responding to sexual assaults, Ohio Attorney General Mike Dewine announced yesterday. As Dewine noted, the money is intended to be used help universities to develop new programs to deal with allegations and also to try to change the college culture which leads to rape. Assaults frequently involve drinking by one or both parties, and alcohol can eliminate a person’s ability to provide legal consent.
Man sentenced for sexual exploitation of teenage girl
Yesterday U.S. District Judge Edmund Sargus sentenced a Pennsylvania man to 12 years in prison for having a sexual relationship with a teenage girl. The man was caught with the girl in a parking lot in Grove City, Ohio, where local police found the man partially undressed in his car. He was also charged with receiving child pornography, another obvious form of
Music teacher indicted for sex with student
A Knox County grand jury has indicted Trever L. Rodenberger on one county of sexual battery, a third degree felony, for having sex with a high school student. According to the Columbus Dispatch, Rodenberger admitted to the relationship in a conversation with the superintendent of East Knox High School. Although the student was 18, it remains a felony in Ohio because of the student teacher relationship.
Professional baseball player accused of rape
Per the Columbus Dispatch today, a baseball player for the Gwinette Braves, an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, was charged with kidnapping and
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